The term "bootstrap" has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used:
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General Definition: In a general sense, to "bootstrap" something means to start or develop it with minimal resources. The phrase "pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps" conveys the idea of self-sufficiency and overcoming challenges without external assistance.
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Business and Startups: In the context of startups, bootstrapping refers to the process of building a business using personal finances or the business's own revenue, without seeking outside funding from investors.
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Computing and Technology:
- Bootstrapping in Computing: This refers to the process of starting up a computer and loading the operating system. The term is derived from the idea of "booting" a computer, originally from the phrase "pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps." In this case, the system loads itself and prepares itself to operate.
- Bootstrapping in Statistics: This is a resampling technique used to estimate the distribution of a statistic (such as the mean or variance) by repeatedly sampling with replacement from the data.
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Frameworks: In web development, "Bootstrap" refers to a popular open-source front-end framework that helps developers create responsive and mobile-first websites quickly and easily.
Each of these meanings emphasizes the core idea of self-reliance or initial resourcefulness.